Home Minister Amit Shah, currently on a two-day visit during the Kashmir elections, met with multiple delegations until late last night to gather information on the current situation. A delegation from the Pahari community, arriving from Kupwara, expressed their appreciation for being granted ST status and for the fulfillment of the promise made by the Gujjar-Bakarwals to maintain their reservation percentage in ST.
They also requested the prompt organization of Panchayat, civic, and assembly elections in the state. Stringent security measures were implemented in anticipation of his visit. The Home Minister arrived at Srinagar Airport via a special plane at 6:00 pm. His convoy traveled through Haf Chinar, Rajbagh, Zero Bridge, TRC, Gupkar, and finally reached a hotel along the banks of Dal Lake, where leaders of the BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit warmly received him.
Delegations that engaged with him included the Gujjar-Bakarwal, Pahari, Civil Society, Traders, Party Delegation, and Sikh Delegation. Prior to the Home Minister's visit, security was significantly heightened in the Kashmir Valley, particularly in Srinagar city. Vehicle searches were conducted at numerous checkpoints, and security was bolstered at the entry and exit points of Srinagar. The designated route for the Home Minister's convoy had been cleared in advance, with security personnel conducting drills using metal detectors and sniffer dogs.
